​Church of the Pines is a Stephen Ministry Church

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​​Celebrating 50 Years of Stephen Ministry!
     This month marks the 50th anniversary of Stephen Ministry International, a Christ-centered program that equips laypeople to care for others through life’s challenges.
     Here at Church of the Pines, our Stephen Ministry began in 2005, and twelve Stephen Ministers were commissioned in March 2006. We’re especially thankful for Holly Nash and Pastor Gary Cole, who attended the initial training in St. Louis twenty years ago. Holly continues to serve faithfully as our Stephen Leader today!
     We give heartfelt thanks for all who have served as Stephen Ministers—those who have moved away, retired, or now rest in God’s eternal care. Their compassion and quiet strength have left a lasting legacy of love.
     Today, we celebrate our three active Stephen Ministers who continue to offer confidential, one-to-one Christian care.      Through their ministry, the love of Christ continues to shine in our church and community.
More information about Stephen Ministry can be read here:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Thank you, Stephen Ministers—past and present—for living Christ’s love in such meaningful ways!
​To read more about Stephen Ministry, click on the button below.
Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons of our church to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those, both in our congregation and community, who are experiencing a difficult time.
 
Our Stephen Ministers are trained to be compassionate listeners to persons experiencing special needs such as:​
  • separation or divorce
  • terminal illness
  • loss of a loved one
  • job crisis
  • financial stress
  • loneliness or depression
  • hospitalization
  • being homebound
  • spiritual crisis
  • ... and much more!

​Confidentiality is the foundation of Stephen Ministry

​The relationship between a Stephen Minister and his/her care receiver is completely confidential.

​Stephen Ministers are Christians who...

  • express God's care through their lives to others
  • receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
  • are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
  • visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care and emotional and spiritual encouragement
  • participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
  • are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
  • serve for at least two years; receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service
​​"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12

​About the leaders of our Stephen Ministry...

Stephen Leaders are pastors and/or laypersons who have completed a seven day Stephen Series Leader's Training Course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
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Our Stephen Leader can...
  • help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister
  • tell you how to become a Stephen Minister
  • tell you about Stephen Minister training and our next training class
  • answer other questions about our Stephen Ministry program

​Want information about receiving a Stephen Minister?

​If you or someone you know would like to talk about how a Stephen Minister can help, please contact our Stephen Leader: Holly Nash, (715) 356-6861.